Designer/Artistic Production Intern Trainee

Number of Positions: 1

Contract: May 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027

Wage: $22/hour (35 hours/week @ 52.2 weeks)

Application Due: April 1, 2026

Potential candidates for these positions must be First Nations, Métis or Inuit and reside within the GTA. Successful candidates must be registered or eligible to register with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training. For both of these summer positions you must be between the ages of 18 and 30, and live in the Metropolitan Toronto region.

Job Description

Activities will include rehearsal and performance of one original outdoor Canadian production, employing large puppets, mask, song, and dance, plus training and application of other public space animation techniques in parade or pageant settings. Since Clay & Paper Theatre also designs and constructs all of its own puppets, summer student employees will have the opportunity learn and participate in the art of puppet construction. Students will also learn about puppeteering (with puppets large and small), and enhance their outdoor performance skills. They will also engage in outreach, workshops, and additional performances in the community of Dufferin Grove Park and beyond, as they learn about the unique responsibilities of a multi-disciplinary theatre company that works in public space.

Scheduling is variable and includes performances in the evenings and on weekends.

Job Skills

• Flexible and 'outdoorsy': Clay & Paper Theatre is a small but mighty OUTDOOR theatre company, so applicants must be comfortable and open to working in a non-traditional OUTDOOR theatre setting, with variable weather conditions.
• Confident: Be comfortable working in parks (Dufferin Grove Park and other public spaces) in public view.
• Dependable: Punctuality, strong work ethic, and being organized are extremely welcome in a theatre setting.
• Communications: Demonstrating strong listening skills & appreciating the points of view of others during rehearsals or in community workshop setting.
• Adaptability: Responding constructively & showing flexibility & resourcefulness in the face of changing production/performance priorities.
• Problem solving: Evaluating & creatively addressing performance/staging challenges.
• Management skills: Showing initiative; demonstrating integrity; recognizing and dealing with interpersonal issues between artists in an appropriate, diplomatic, respectful & compassionate manner.
• Goal setting: Keeping oneself on production or performance schedule.
• Continuous learning: Willing to continuously learn and grow in one's craft.
• Teamwork: Understanding and demonstrating how to work effectively, constructively and considerately in a group; respecting diversity within the company & with the public & communities that we serve.
• Musical ability (vocal and instrumental), as well as construction and design skills are strong assets.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Become familiar with the Anti-Harassment/Discrimination Legislation and City Policy (to which Clay and Paper Theatre has signed a Declaration of Compliance as per the condition of all of our grant funding), including worksite Health and Safety policies
• Learn about the essentials of working as an artist in public space, creating an accessible arts experience and how to be a park host and an ambassador for Clay and Paper Theatre
• Receive instruction & training in voice, movement, puppetry & mask
• Assist with construction & maintenance of props, costumes, set pieces, masks & puppets under guidance & supervision of a Clay & Paper Theatre Associate Artist/Builder and Artistic Directors
• Assist in setup of community workshops & facilitation of puppet building with participants
• Attend rehearsals, learn lines, songs & stage blocking, develop techniques specific to outdoor performance in a public space
• Set-up & strike set & props, get into costume & make-up, complete vocal & physical warm-up, welcome attendees, perform show
• Assist with outreach & promotion of the production, including hands-on promotional activities: putting up posters, attending local events at Dufferin Grove Park, handing out leaflets, participating in photo and video shoots, and after show Q&As

Please submit your RESUME along with a brief COVER LETTER explaining why you would like to join our motley crew to auditions.clayandpaper@gmail.com